BRENDA: “PEOPLE FIND US SPECIAL!”

In this section, colleagues share what they are proud of. This could be a result achieved in the salon, a collection created with blood, sweat, and tears, a client who has been coming for years, a special story from the salon... you name it.

In this episode of Proud, we are pleased to introduce you to Brenda van den Boogert-Castenmiller, salon manager of Christiaan Lifestyle Salon & Spa in Rotterdam.

Brenda has been working in the hairdressing industry since 1983, right after secondary school. Was it a conscious choice? Brenda: “Haha, yes and no. I wasn’t someone who dreamed of becoming a hairdresser, but in the end, it was a conscious choice. My mother had a salon for many years, where I helped out on weekends and during holidays. My uncle owned several salons. I had no idea what I wanted to do after school, but in the end, I couldn’t resist and started working as a hairdresser. My mother even asked me if I was sure about my decision. And yes, I was. I was convinced, though, that I wanted more than just working in the salon and seeing the same clients every week. I wanted to go to shows or help organize them, give training sessions, and maybe even go abroad. More than just working in the salon day in, day out.”

From Cutting to Managing »

What is your role at Christiaan Lifestyle Salon & Spa?

Brenda: “These days, I work as the salon manager. I no longer cut hair, but I am responsible for the organization of the salon: the reception, social media, purchasing, contacts with suppliers, you name it. Although I still get the itch sometimes, which is handy with my background—I occasionally help out with washing and drying. I do miss coloring, though; I like to think along and want to know everything when something new comes up. I’m very happy that I still work in the hairdressing industry. I wouldn’t want to do this job in any other sector.”

All-Encompassing »

She continues: “I find the hairdressing industry so attractive because it’s a great combination of colleagues, clients, and fashion. It’s very broad. At Christiaan, the world of the spa has also been added. I enjoy going to shows, but also seeing and learning technical things. I like to be up to date on everything, I’m a bit of a control freak. I also enjoy taking courses in management and marketing; it’s all-encompassing.”

Great Location »

“The salon where I work is located in Rotterdam, on the Nieuwe Binnenweg. It’s a great location. In the city center, but just outside the car-free zone, a nice street with few chains and lots of small specialty shops. There are several salons, all unique in their own way, and some vintage shops. It’s very versatile here; all the shops are unique in their own way—bread, but different; shoes, but different. Very special. The salon itself is 220 square meters and has ten employees, including myself. The owner is Adri van Lieshout; he also works in the salon, and his wife handles the office work. Do I have nice colleagues? Absolutely, I have great colleagues—a nice mix of older and younger people, which helps me stay up to date too!”

Proud »

“It may sound like a cliché, but I am very proud of my work here. Within the industry, Christiaan is of course a well-known name, and this salon is a well-known salon. The owner, Adri van Lieshout, is also well respected in the industry. Adri is a former colleague of Christiaan; when Christiaan moved to New York, he allowed Adri to use his name for this business in Rotterdam. Another colleague of Christiaan was allowed to use his name for a business in The Hague, but that one no longer exists. We have a beautiful salon, with good brands, and we deliver a great end product, both in hair and skin care. That’s really something to be proud of.”

Restart after Corona »

How did the restart at Christiaan go? Brenda: “At first, it was a bit awkward. Instead of approaching clients as we were used to, we had to take a step back. It was strange for us and for the clients. But with some adjustments here and there, things are going well again. The initial rush is over; everyone wanted to come at once as soon as we were allowed to reopen. But of course, that wasn’t possible. Now we sometimes have quieter moments again and can catch up with each other. I find it very special to work for a company that is financially healthy enough to survive this without asking anything from the employees. What also made a big impression on me was that a few weeks ago, I washed a client’s hair. She said it was the first time in a long time that someone had touched her. She even sees her family from a distance. It feels special that clients trust us like that; that also makes me proud. That’s the beauty of our profession, isn’t it? People find us special; they really missed us when they couldn’t come to us. They find the hairdresser important, that much is clear. That makes it a wonderful profession, very rewarding to do, and it gives a good feeling. That appreciation is very nice. I also think people have come to realize how special the hairdressing profession is. Another thing to be proud of.”

Interview: Jacha Rootlieb, photography: Peter Brugmans, Spredle